Weight Loss Reduces Kidney Disease Risk in Diabetics

Staying physically active, eating healthy foods and weight loss could lead to the delay and prevention of chronic kidney disease in those with type 2 diabetes, new research suggests.

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney failure causing 35% of all cases of kidney failure in the United States, according to the American Kidney Fund, adding that about 40% of people with diabetes will develop chronic kidney disease (CKD.)

Researchers looked at two groups, taking into account more than 5,000 total participants who were overweight or obese with type 2 diabetes from the ages of 45 to 76, according to a study published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology. Half of the group were supplied with diabetes education and the other half had the goal of losing weight through reduced-calorie diets and more exercise.

The researchers analyzed previous data from the study between 2001 and 2004 with participants undergoing both the education and the diet and exercise routes through to 2012. Overall, it was shown that the participants in the diet and exercise half of the group were 31% less likely to develop very high-risk chronic kidney disease, according to urine tests.

Along with weight loss and lessened risk of kidney disease, other areas of health were also improved including depression and heart rate post-exercise.